Women in Business

MARCH 2019 | FUTUREOFBUSINESSANDTECH.COM

|

An Independent Supplement by Mediaplanet to USA Today

Women in Business

The fashion icon

Diane von Furstenberg is putting the spotlight on influential female voices

DISCOVER how Kavita Shukla is dedicating her work to preventing food waste

ONLINE learn how Madison Beer is challenging the music industry

2 | FUTUREOFBUSINESSANDTECH.COM

How One Woman Is Teaching Girls to Break the Engineering Glass Ceiling Meet Jackie Birdsall, a senior engineer for Toyota, and a pioneering role model for women in the male-dominated automotive industry.

When Jackie Birdsall met her first fuel-cell vehicle, she knew that she had found her career. As a woman devoted to the automotive industry and the environment, she forced herself under the hood and into the alternative vehicle industry.

Years later, Jackie is still under the hood, but the vehicle has evolved. As a senior engineer on Toyota’s hydrogen fuel-cell team, Jackie helped launch the Toyota Mirai, one of the first zero-emission, hydrogen-fuel-cell electric vehicles sold in the United States.

Driving her success “It’s important to put myself out there so younger girls can see that engineering is an option,” said Birdsall. “You can’t be what you can’t see.”

Jackie’s passion continues to drive her success. From convincing the Pep Boys manager to give her a part-time job in high school to leading a team of engineers developing cutting-edge technologies, Jackie is a role model for women in the traditionally male-dominated fields of engineering and the automotive industry.

“I think it’s a blessing and a curse being a minority in any industry, because it forces you to be the best you can be and prove you deserve to be there.” Point proven, Jackie.

Jana Hartline, Toyota

MEDIAPLANET

Why Inclusivity in the Workplace Is No Longer Optional In order for companies and leaders to grow, it is imperative that every workplace encourages female empowerment and inclusivity.

T

he #MeToo movement is changing the conversation around women and work — but it’s just one of many seismic shifts reshaping the workplace today, and in the future. Thanks to social movements, globalization, changing demographics and rapid advances in technology, traditional ways of doing business are fast becoming obsolete.

People expect more flexibility at work, and employees and investors alike are drawn to organizations that value social responsibility. New technologies and expanding globalization have made our world more connected than ever. Organizations that resist social change and continue to draw from one narrow talent pool will be less competitive going forward.

But for companies and leaders willing to learn and grow, these shifts are creating tremendous opportunities.

Artificial intelligence is being refined every day, but machines still don’t possess the same capacity as humans for listening, empathizing and connecting with people. Successful leaders and organizations of the future will harness that human touch to integrate rapid technological advances

Lorraine Hariton, President and CEO, Catalyst

and build inclusive workplaces where all employees thrive. And they will understand that when employees who bring multiple intersecting identities to work feel safe, valued and fully included, they enjoy their work more — and perform better.

Equal opportunities That’s why a commitment to empowering women, and all employees, to be their authentic selves at work must be woven into the daily fabric of every organization. Done right, inclusion is a daily practice. And it must be modeled every day, particularly at the top.

By sponsoring talented women and encouraging others to do so; tracking and rewarding inclusive behaviors; and acknowledging and addressing

the specific barriers that women of color and other underrepresented groups still face at work, we can build workplaces where all employees enjoy equal opportunities to contribute and excel.

In this fast-paced, increasingly interconnected global economy, it is more vital than ever for men to champion women. The vast majority of men believe in equality, but don’t necessarily take active steps to improve conditions for women at work. Organizations that encourage men to champion women understand that companies and communities thrive when women advance.

The world’s best companies recognize that it’s only possible to unlock innovation when everyone is given the same chances to succeed. And they see a culture where women and other underrepresented groups are treated with respect and empowered to lead as a competitive advantage.

Our society has changed, and our workplaces must evolve, too. At Catalyst, we embrace these changes and know that they represent progress for women — which means progress for everyone. ■

Publisher Victoria Borkowski Business Developer Mac Harris Managing Director Luciana Olson Designers Tiffany Pryor, Lee Miller Copy Editor Sarene Leeds Director of Sales Shannon Ruggiero Director of Business Development Jourdan Snyder Director of Product Faye Godfrey Lead Editor Mina Fanous Production Manager Josh Rosman Content Strategist Vanessa Rodriguez Cover Photo Lorenzo Agius (DVF Archives) All photos are credited to Getty Images unless otherwise specifi ed. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve USA Today.

KEEP YOUR FEED FRESH. FOLLOW US @MEDIAPLANETUSA

EMAIL CONTENT INQUIRIES TO EDITORIAL@MEDIAPLANET.COM

PLEASE RECYCLE AFTER READING

4 | FUTUREOFBUSINESSANDTECH.COM

5 Fundamentals for Taking Charge of Your Career There’s no such thing as an instruction manual for success. It’s up to you to ensure that you make the most of your time at work.

How Diane von Furstenberg Is Giving a Voice to the Voiceless

The work world is governed largely by men, but women can equip themselves to succeed nonetheless. As president of NAFE, I offer strategies shared by successful female executives: five fundamentals for firing up your career.

2. Perform beyond expectations Always deliver more, on time or ahead of schedule.

Impress people consistently and build a track record, which counters the competency barrier that women face. Results take time, but rock-solid performance will garner respect.

3. Find sponsors These people will offer critical feedback and also use their clout to land you opportunities. Unlike a mentor who advises you privately, your sponsor actively advocates for your advancement. But remember that since they will spend capital on you, they must admire your capabilities, so earning their trust matters.

4. Network Nobody makes it alone. Women focus on getting tasks done, but men understand that hanging out forms connections and presents opportunities. Join company networks and industry groups. Networking is the process of building mutually beneficial relationships, so encourage your networks to rely on you as you do on them — for job openings, new connections and hot tips.

5. Don’t hide your light Boys start boasting early, while girls learn modesty — and may face penalties when not demure. But women don’t get ahead if people don’t know about their accomplishments. Develop a three-minute story about yourself that includes your successes and captures your enthusiasm. And report your achievements to your boss, sponsors, mentors and network.

Betty Spence, Ph.D., President, National Association for Female Executives (NAFE)

PHOTO: BFA FOR DVF AWARDS

1. Plan it out If you aspire for the top, clarify your direction early.

In corporations, firms and nonprofits alike, you’ll find two paths. One includes jobs running the business (operations positions) and the other includes the support functions (“staff” jobs like HR). Chief executives must have bottom line, profit and loss (P&L) responsibility with direct involvement in products, services and/or customers. Few women have trickled through this requisite pipeline to the top, so if your ambition inclines in this direction, set a two-year goal to land a P&L position.

The annual DVF Awards, part of the Women in the World Conference, honors five women dedicated to raising awareness for women’s causes.

philanthropic organization that she runs with her husband, Barry Diller.

“I am very proud of what we did. The women that we honor and help are extraordinary, and it is very humbling to witness their great work.”

Diane von Furstenberg is known for making some of the world’s most famous faces stand out with her timeless creations on the red carpet, so it’s no surprise the fashion designer is also passionate about putting some of the most influential voices in the spotlight as well.

Since 2010, Furstenberg, the founder of the fashion line DVF, has held the annual DVF Awards as part of the Women in the World conference to honor five women who have dedicated their life’s work to raising awareness for women’s causes. Each honoree receives $50,000 to help propel her nonprofit’s mission.

“I was shy about creating the Awards at first, but the platform of the Women in the World Conference gave me the push I needed,” says Furstenberg, who co-founded the ceremony with the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation. The foundation is a

Leadership to inspire Nominees for this year’s People’s Voice Award, whose recipient is chosen by the popular vote, include: Amanda Nguyen and her organization, Rise, which fights for sexual violence survivors’ rights; Yvette Alberdingk-Thijm of the global network WITNESS, which uses technology and video to give a voice to women who may not otherwise be heard; Susan Burton, the founder of A New Way of Life, which helps women rebuild their lives after being incarcerated; and Maria Vertkin, of Found in Translation, which helps low-income women and immigrants attain economic security with their language skills.

“They are all, as I imagined when I founded the awards a decade ago, women who have the courage to fight, the strength to survive and the leadership to inspire,” Furstenberg

says. This year’s DVF Awards will be held on April 11, 2019 in New York City.

In her nearly five decade-long career, Furstenberg, 72, has no doubt in her own life that she has earned countless admirers who have been inspired by her artistic visions — including the famous wrap dress designed for the everyday woman.

Iconic status Furstenberg said her iconic status in the fashion industry doesn’t make her feel “pressure” — her achievements have motivated her to pay attention to the world, set a good example and give back.

“It’s not about being an icon — it’s about being a role model,” Furstenberg says. “When you get any success, it is important to use your voice, your knowledge, your experiences and connection to help others.”

Staying true to your values is the main advice Furstenberg would give aspiring businesswomen. “Believe in yourself and trust your instincts,” she says, “because the relationship you keep with yourself is the most important.” n Melinda Carter

MEDIAPLANET | 5

5 Myths Holding Women Back From Career Growth Women are pushing back and stepping forward in every industry, but there are still plenty of myths out there that are limiting their progress.

SPONSORED

A

ll over the globe, women are rising. In politics, in business — in every sector of life. Women earn more higher degrees than men, make up 46 percent of the workforce, and are in increasingly high-profile roles.

And yet, so many challenges remain. The number of women in CEO roles is declining, and their compensation remains stubbornly lower than their male counterparts.

A recent exhibit, Women at Work: Myth Vs. Reality, makes the compelling argument that a few persistent myths are holding women back.

The five myths The exhibit was unveiled at the World Economic Forum at Davos, and the reception was “overwhelmingly positive,” according to Deanna Bass, executive director

of diversity and inclusion at Procter & Gamble. “The exhibit was a labor of love between Procter & Gamble, Seneca Women, and the creative team at Badger and Winters. It’s very visual and auditory, and it’s really an impactful way to take in the conversation of the myths.”

“We call them myths because they are largely based in bias and stereotype,” says Bass, “yet we still hold them to be true today.” Here are the five myths the exhibit highlights: Myth No. 1: Women lack confidence and other leadership traits.

Reality: Women possess the right leadership qualities; it’s the way their behavior is perceived that impedes them.

Action: Fix the system, not the women.

“It’s rooted in the narrative that women lack confidence, that women lack ambition, that they fear failure,” says Bass, “and that doesn’t ring true. Women’s behavior is often different than men, and we’ve codified that behavior as lacking confidence. But you can easily call that behavior humility, and humility is one of the top leadership skills required in today’s world.”

P H OTO

: N A N CY A R M S T R O N G , O M S P H OTO

Myth No. 2: There are not enough qualified women for top jobs.

Reality: There are plenty of qualified women.

Action: Tend to your talent.

Companies need to be intentional and creative in terms of talent sourcing and development. “What we’re working on is very intentional talent management,” says Bass. “That means identifying top talent early in careers and having a longer planning window.”

Myth No. 3: STEM is a man’s thing.

Reality: Women do well in STEM. It’s gender bias that drives them away.

Action: Think differently about tech.

Studies show that girls do just as well, if not better, in STEM subjects through high school. Companies need to showcase more female role models to combat the misconception that tech and science aren’t for them.

Myth No. 4: Household chores are women’s work.

Reality: Childcare and household chores are everyone’s work.

Action: Share the load.

“Equality-based policies such as paid parental leave and flexible work environ-

, IMA

G

N E OW

ED

BY

P& G

ments allow both men and women to share the load at home — freeing up women to be more productive at work,” Bass notes.

Myth No. 5: Sexual harassment is a women’s issue.

Reality: Stopping harassment is everyone’s job.

Action: Take it seriously.

“We believe that sexual harassment is a failure of leadership,” says Bass. “It is everybody’s issue.”

Changing the narrative Bass is passionate about exploding these myths. “It’s time to change the narrative and shift from a mindset of ‘fixing the women’ to fixing the systems, policies and cultures that hold women back in the workplace.”

She sees the Women at Work exhibit, and other actions P&G is taking for gender equality, as a great way to tackle bias and spark conversations that can change mindsets. “We know that when we do this, communities are healthier, businesses thrive, and the world is a better place for everyone.” n Jeff Somers

6 | FUTUREOFBUSINESSANDTECH.COM

MEDIAPLANET

CAREER INSPIRATION

How Kavita Shukla’s Fresh Idea Is Changing the World Shukla’s FreshPaper, a sheet of paper that can keep produce fresh for longer, is being praised as a solution for the world’s food waste.

When she was 12, Kavita Shukla accidentally drank some unfiltered tap water. Her grandmother gave her a homemade mixture of spices as a remedy. She didn’t get sick. The experience sparked her curiosity, so back home in Maryland, Shukla tinkered around in her garage with jars of dirty pond water and spices.

She eventually discovered some of the spices seemed to slow the growth of fungus.

That invention became FreshPaper, a sheet of paper infused with organic spices (the spice blend is proprietary). It’s been described as a dryer sheet for produce.

Drop a sheet in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer or in a container of fruits or veggies. The recyclable, biodegradable and compostable product helps keep produce fresh 2-4 times longer because its organic ingredients prevent bacterial and fungal growth, as well as enzymes that cause produce to over-ripen.

Global challenge “Food waste is actually a massive

global challenge,” says Shukla, noting over a third of the world’s food supply is lost to spoilage, and 800 million people go hungry every day.

She originally designed FreshPaper for the developing world, but now it’s used globally, including in the United States.

“Our mission is ‘Fresh for All,’ and we’re working to make fresh, healthy food more affordable and accessible across the globe,” says Shukla, the founder and CEO of the FRESHGLOW Co., a social enterprise tackling food waste and creating simple innovations to keep food fresh.

The first step The Harvard grad credits three people with helping her on her journey: her high school science teacher, who convinced her FreshPaper was more than a science project; Tony Russo, a Boston farm-stand owner who sold FreshPaper in his store; and Tina Brown, who put Shukla on stage at Lincoln Center for the Women in the World Summit.

That summit was a gamechanger. Shukla, who holds four patents, went from making FreshPaper in her kitchen to manufacturing millions of sheets and partnering with retailers worldwide.

She was the youngest woman ever to receive the INDEX Design to Improve Life Award, the world’s largest design prize. The Crown Princess of Denmark presented that award, recognizing FreshPaper’s potential to change the global food system.

Shukla was named in Forbes’ “30 Under 30” and Fast Company’s “7 Entrepreneurs Changing the World.”

She mentors young entrepreneurs and advises them to get started: “The simple act of taking a step forward can open up possibilities you can’t even imagine.” n Kristen Castillo

What an MBA Can Do for You SPONSORED

Thinking of going back to school for an MBA? It’s a pretty smart investment.

Whether you’re pursuing an MBA to advance your career or prepare you for a new path, the degree has many advantages. Here are five ways an MBA can benefit your career: 1. Achieve a return on investment MBA students at Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis pay

$59,950 for tuition per year for the two-year program. The average base salary after graduation is $108,000.

“After they graduate, they’re going to increase their earning power,” says Jen Whitten, associate dean and director of Olin’s Weston Career Center. “Often, they’ll pivot into a different career or possibly move up in an organization.”

2. Tap into an extensive alumni network Valerie Toothman was a full-time MBA student at Olin. She’s now the executive vice president of brand and beverage for DrinkWorks, a beverage innovation company.

“An MBA puts tools in your toolkit and it creates a network that is invaluable,” says Toothman, who graduated in 2008 and is still close to many from the program.

3. Experience the world Olin’s six-week global immersion program takes students from Washington, D.C., to Barcelona, to Shanghai to study and observe global business practices.

Olin MBA student Matilda Thomas, a native of Nigeria, graduates this spring; but first, she’s looking forward to a class trip to Shanghai.

“Everyone is interconnected,” she says.

“Gaining that global exposure is really important for anyone [who is] trying to build a career in today’s world.”

4. Provide on-site education Experiential learning puts classroom learning into practice.

“Students have the opportunity to work on unique projects with unique companies and really expand on what it means

to be a leader, for good,” says Ruthie Pyles Stiffler, assistant dean and director of graduate programs admission and financial aid.

Toothman agrees, saying, “Olin puts a lot of energy into real world learning.”

5. Unlock your entrepreneurial mind-set MBA students develop entrepreneurial skills to help them become better leaders and innovators.

Thomas plans to pursue health care management in the United States. Long term, she wants to use her MBA to start her own business in Nigeria.

“An MBA gives you wings to fly,” says Thomas. “You can do anything.” n Kristen Castillo